Financial and Lifestyle Resources for Vermont

This is an exciting time for plug-in electric vehicle (EV) buyers. Manufacturers are producing more affordable electric cars in a wider array of models than ever before. And now, the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) is investigating how electric utilities and others can promote the ownership and use of electric vehicles in the state. If you’re on the fence about buying an EV, this article may help you pick a side.

You may be able to save a lot of money by refinancing your car, but is it time? If you’re asking yourself that question, read on to learn some good reasons for refinancing and some things you should consider as you get started.

Your vehicle has served you well – it has shuttled you safely to work, toted your belongings and groceries with care, covered the distance between you and your loved ones—but it hasn’t been working so well lately. You just had the brakes fixed and the motor is now making a strange clunking sound. Each visit to the shop seems to cost a little more and you know that some other (and possibly more expensive) repairs are looming. You just don’t know when to buy a new car.  

If you’re in the market for a car, you’re probably wondering “what car is right for me?” It’s a big financial and personal decision, which will likely result in some debt. Plus, you’ll have the car for years to come, so you want to make sure you’re buying something that will fit your lifestyle for the next three to eight years. In other words, this is a decision that is worth thinking through.

If you are purchasing a new car, consider donating your old car to charity as an alternative to trading or selling. In addition to helping out your favorite local cause, you may also qualify for a tax deduction if the organization is a registered 501(c)3. But there are some important points to consider before making your donation.

How you handle yourself at the car dealership can make a difference in the price you get when buying a car. Here are nine things you DON’T want to do at the car lot.

It might seem easy to make money on your trade-in—just get your car in tip-top shape and you’ll get the most money for it, right? Well, that’s not always true and can sometimes lead to spending more money than you’re getting back, so I’m going to walk you through the basic steps of how to get the most for your old car.

Negative equity. Upside down. Under water. All have a similar meaning—you owe more on your car than it’s worth. This is the last situation you want to be in after buying a vehicle. There are some common reasons you may end up upside down on your loan. Doing your research ahead of time can help you avoid buying a car that’s not worth the payments!